Page 4 of Rugged Guardian

She nods, and I make my way to my office. It’s a small, cluttered space filled with paperwork, old photographs, and mementos from my time in the military. I sit at my desk, looking at a picture of my parents.

I’ve always wanted the kind of love and partnership my folks had. But after losing Angelica, I never let myself get close to another woman. It was easier to focus on serving my country, taking care of other people, and taking over the care of King Mountain from my parents. Then my old friend Harley called me one day, needing help hiding some women who needed hiding and protection, and this has been my life ever since.

I lean back in my chair, closing my eyes. The memories come rushing back—our first kiss, the nights we spent talking about our dreams, the way she made me feel like I was invincible. But then there was the other side—the fights, the betrayal, the day her parents yanked her out of school and sent her away, forbidding her to contact me.

I run a hand through my hair, the weight of the past pressing down on me. How do you move forward when the past is so deeply ingrained in your present? Is it even possible?

I glance at the clock, realizing it’s getting late. The bar will close soon, and the last customers will head out. I should probably do the same, but I’m not ready to face an empty cabin yet.

I get up and head back to the main room, where the last customers are finishing their drinks. The guys are gathered around a table, laughing and joking. I make my way over, sitting next to Reggie, who’s flirting with Marian and making her blush as she closes the bar.

“You heading out soon?” he asks.

“Yeah, just wanted to make sure everything’s squared away here first.”

He nods, understanding. “We’ve got it covered. You should get some rest.”

I know sleep won’t come easy tonight. Not with Angelica’s face haunting my thoughts. “Thanks, Reggie.”

My boots crunch on the gravel in the parking lot of King Tap. I pull out my phone to check the time, then freeze.

Hey. Can you call me when you have a chance? Can I ask a favor?

I stare at my phone. Every fiber of my being wants to take Angelica in my arms and never let her go. I shove my phone back in my pocket and get in my truck, telling myself I’ll call her in the morning.

If we were meant to be together, wouldn’t we have found each other again before now?

CHAPTER 3

ANGELICA

Angelica.” Waylon’s voice is deep and stirs a fresh rush of memories. “You asked me to call?”

My heart pounds as I hold my phone, listening to Waylon’s voice. I was up half the night, wondering if he’d call me today. I knew it was late when I sent that text, but I didn’t care. There was a time when we were there for each other, no matter the time of day or night. Now it’s like we’re on opposite ends of a great divide. I don’t know how to move us closer except to forge ahead.

There’s a pause, and I can almost picture him running a hand through his hair the way he always did when he was nervous.

“Thanks for calling,” I say, my stomach knotting with apprehension. “I wanted to ask—”

“Angelica,” he cuts me off, his voice stern. “I know we need to have a conversation, but I’m not ready for it.

“I understand,” I say quickly. Will he think this is a cheap way for me to see him again? At this point, I’ll do anything to see him so I can work on mending things. “But that’s not why I’m calling. I really do have a favor to ask.”

I can hear the surprise in his voice. “Oh? What is it, then?”

I take a deep breath. “I need some help.” The words tumble out in a rush. “I haven’t been up here in years and years. I’m staying at my grandparents’ old cabin. It’s seen better days, and I could use some advice on repairs, maybe some recommendations for good contractors in the area. I thought...well, I was hoping you’d be willing to help.”

The silence that follows is deafening. I hold my breath, scared that he’ll say no but also that he’ll say yes. When he finally speaks, his voice is measured. “Okay. I can do that. When do you want to start?”

Relief floods through me. “Tomorrow?” I suggest, trying not to sound too eager. “If you’re free, that is.”

“Mm. Tomorrow is busy. But I can come by the cabin around lunchtime the day after if that’s alright.”

“Perfect,” I say, unable to keep the smile out of my voice. “I’ll see you then. And Waylon? Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” he replies, but I hear the hint of warmth in his voice, and a bolt of hope and desire lands in my core. “I’ll see you then, Angelica.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

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